US condemns attack on Iranian envoy's house in Yemen

The US Wednesday denounced a deadly attack on the Iranian ambassador's residence in Yemen's capital, calling for a "thorough" investigation.

"The United States condemns the bombing at the Iranian ambassador's residence in Sanaa earlier this morning (Wednesday) and expresses its condolences to the families of the victims," Xinhua quoted State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf as saying in a statement.

Though the ambassador was not at his home when the bomb explosion occurred, media reports said, his house was damaged.

Three security guards -- two Iranians and a Yemeni -- were confirmed dead in the remote-controlled car bomb explosion which also left 17 people injured, some of them critically.

"Attacks on diplomatic facilities and against diplomats contravene all international norms and can never be justified or excused," Harf said, urging the Yemeni authorities to open a " thorough" investigation and "bring the perpetrators to justice".

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it detonated a car bomb when the Iranian ambassador left his residence Wednesday morning.